High school football media day: Westmoreland Bulldogs (video)

The Bulldogs - a perennial Class D power - open at General Brown, the defending Class C sectional champions. The next week, Westmoreland squares off with another C school when it plays host to Canastota.

"We always feel like we want to prepare the kids," coach Tim Gates said of the tough first few weeks of the season.

There's reason to play a tough early schedule. Class D was brutal last year, with a half-dozen teams capable of winning the sectional title.

Westmoreland was one of them, losing to eventual champion Herkimer in a playoff semifinal.

The Bulldogs have the experience and talent to go all the way this season, Gates said.

Junior quaterback Tyler Deveans is back under center, and senior tri-captains Tyler Platt, Robert Heitzmann and Devon Tophoven bring leadership and talent.

The obvious issue is replacing Tim Harrison, a speedy running back, receiver and return man who added 1,569 total yards to the Bulldogs' offense in 2013.

Gates said the Bulldogs will have a bigger roster, with more than 30 players expected to make varsity.

The goal, as always at Westmoreland, is to play for a Section III title in the Carrier Dome. The team last won the crown in 2011.